Gift of Aaron: aka Witchcraft

As we’ve been updating our site/blog, there are some articles we feel the Lord has told us to repost as a reminder of what Mormonism is all about. Today we’re looking at Joe Smith’s witchcraft activities. This Mormon Dilemma was originally posted in 2013.

D&C 8:6-9, 11“Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron; behold, it has told you many things; 7 Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you. 8 Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God; and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God. 9 And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it. 11 Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you.”

Leviticus 19:31 “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”

As always, it’s important for us to look at context so we’re doing that today with Doctrine and Covenants Section 8. This was a revelation Smith gave to Oliver Cowdery in April 1829.

Another important fact to know is that D&C 8 used to be Book of Commandments 7.

The text for Book of Commandments 7 is below, or you can read it online here.

What is this “gift” Smith was talking about – do you as a Mormon know? When I was LDS I had no idea what this was, or that the Church had rewritten this part of their canon.

Were/are you aware it’s referring to a divining rod?

A divining rod is used to look for buried treasure. It’s also one of the tools used in witchcraft.

Why is something used in witchcraft part of LDS scriptures? If you’re a member of the Church, how does this verse help you in your daily walk with the Lord?

Why were Joseph and friends involved in this type of behavior if they were following God?

Book of Commandments 7:3 “O remember, these words and keep my commandments. Remember this is your gift. Now this is not all, for you have another gift, which is the gift of working with the rod: behold it has told you things: behold there is no other power save God, that can cause this rod of nature, to work in your hands, for it is the work of God; and therefore whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, that you shall know.”

2 Responses

I read the Joe Smith had quite a reputation among his neighbors as being a bit if a hustler. Apparently, he used diving rods to find buried treasure and water. I guess he scammed some people out some money looking for stuff that wasn’t there. I don’t know if he ever got arrested for his shenanigans